You suppose it is the more fitting term for beings such as Thanatos and Mol-as he had revealed to you. Humans, men and women who gave away part of their flesh to become in their eyes better. More efficient. It is certainly a pursuit you can identify with, as it is one that drives you-to better your processes. However, something odd has emerged as a trend among the humans you’ve witness undertake this process. Each of them differ greatly from their fellow man-be it in intent, sanity, or simple morals. You question if this is a side effect, or perhaps worse, the intent of it all in the end. Eurynome-the one responsible for many of these transhumans is the one who holds your answers. But before you can confront her, Thanatos and his near impenetrable warship stand in your way. While your fleet technology was not at it’s apex, your infantry technology is incredibly advanced-and thanks to Mol’s intervention-you managed to send a ship full of Cephalus, and a chosen squad into the depths of his warship in hopes of disabling it once and for all.

You are Ophion, an Artificial Intelligence. For nearly a year you have waged war on the UGEI, a greedy human mining company but in that time you’ve begun to realize there are far worse elements within with whom you hold a far greater grudge than the simple shell of a corporation they hid behind. Cybernetically enhanced super humans, with vast fleets at their disposal, all attempting to bring their own brand of order to this sector-but you’ve beaten them and cast each down on your climb to power.. And you do not intend to relinquish your control anytime soon.

Important News>Note: Time has not advanced>Alert: Rift Distortion>A.I./V.I. recovery notes>Message: Thanatos>Cephalus’ infiltration

>>42172807>Note: Time has not advancedJust as stated above, the moments between the last session and this one are very brief-so much so no construction or any real changes could happen beyond a few battlefield analysis that would be arriving as normal.

>Alert: Rift DistortionIn part of your attempts to destroy Thanatos’ fleet, you threw countless ships into the grinder, hoping to blow away his ships by sheer technological value and strategic positioning. These gave you a foothold in a battle you had very little chance of winning-and with that foothold, you managed to pull off a daring maneuver-one you were not certain the outcome would be. The widowmaker-a powerful upgraded version of the laser cannon of previous generations-was fitted to the front of approximately 50 of your battleships. And each one fired in perfect unison at your, Kronos, and Metis’ perfect calculation, and countered the arc that the void armor of Thanatos’ ship seemed to distort any incoming energy blasts. The gravitational effect of the armor-so it appears-was not able to redirect the hit, and it impacted on the ship’s surface. However, while it did not end as you hoped with Thanatos’ ship in ruin, it did successfully force his ship to discharge an enormous amount of energy, less his ship’s engines overload. This discharge not only devastated his incredibly tightly packed formation, but it also caused a warp space surge that tore a hole in the skies over Thanatos’ ship. While this was your method of allowing Cephalus to enter the vessel, it is also proving highly unstable and beginning to react to the nearby pull of Thanatos’ ship, so Metis tells you.“The effect currently acts as almost a tractor beam-making movement for Thanatos’ ship difficult.

>>42172840This will mean his retreat is impossible for now-however...it also means once you disable the void armor, he will be free once again unless you cease operation of the ship itself for your own by disabling Thanatos.” She pauses. “I do not see any other manner of taking control, as according to the data the battle has fed me, he alone controlled each of those vessels we fought against.” Metis informs you.>Questions?

>>42172992Metis regards you."Additional attempts by our widowmakers will likely cause a similar energy discharge. However, with the rift already present, it is...difficult to say for certain what would happen. However, it is not unlikely to say the rift would worsen. I would advise against such actions when we are not certain to the results."

From what Mol and Metis tell you of the rifts, they're portals into the space used for warp jumps-and the rifts are tears that lead into our universe. Space works differently within the rift, but it is not unlikely to say the two rifts are somehow connected. It is merely that there is already a powerful gravitational force within.

>>42173114Focusing such on the rest of the fleet is far harder due to the size difference making missing more likely. A smaller instance of the rift may occur however, the properties of the armor are not fully understood, even by Mol.

>>42173239Mol regards you this time."To put it quite simply for you-the void armor Thanatos has in use makes use of the intense forces at work within warp space to deflect and absorb absurd amounts of energy. Normally, this means all but some other energy source that makes use of warp technology is unable to do much against it-however in this case." He chuckles a bit. "You managed to find a way to disrupt it even with conventional-albeit powerful-weaponry, and force an energy discharge. In doing so, the rift itself was formed by the excess power flowing off of Thanatos itself. The only way for the rift to tear Thanatos apart is if he were to attempt to warp jump while making use of overcharged void armor. His reactor most likely would not be able to handle the demand, and it would tear his ship asunder as it entered warp space. Of course...he does not seem intent on retreating anytime soon. However, his inability to move should make this infiltration attempt far easier than it may have previously been."

As for the properties of the ship he used-it is certainly replicatable, the second it entered your space, Metis examined it quite thoroughly, and found how to replicate it. It is not a simple task however, and would require time to construct it properly. Rift weaponry may be possible, but this design is specifically meant for ships, and thus would need to be adapted through extensive study.

http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research>Rift Explorer Vessel: A small ship specifically designed to explore beyond the rift, shielded and armored to withstand the crushing energies laws of physics at work. As such, is not suited for combat, or even regular space travel.

>A.I./V.I. RecoveryIn the aftermath of the chaos that consumed the system during Thanatos’ attack, you managed to collect a few reports on your collective-and thankfully, it would seem your strongest minds seem to be fine, though Kronos’ ship sustained significant damage, his black box was relatively unharmed. Fortuna and Hades however, are a different story. Hades, not being a true A.I. by choice, even in the end was destroyed defending your vessel from Thanatos’ assault. Fortuna, on the other hand, was reported to be in the redundancy bank you have set up-her mind shaken and perhaps confused, but functional. You sense she may need time to recover fully before she may join you-and time is not a luxury you have at this moment.>Questions?

>>42174010After a moment of doing so, Metis remarks on her condition."Hardly one of our more stable A.I., but her condition is merely slightly damaged. Likely from the intense shockwaves from the incident and severe damage to the room housing her blackbox. It would seem." she starts. "She will make a full recovery however. I am keeping her in an offline state for now however. As I am sure you're aware she can...become troublesome when awake and away from you."

As for the repairs, Kronos informs you he's backed his ship away for emergency repairs. Your repair ships work fast, but his ship will likely not be 100% before Thanatos' fight is over. That being said, his black box remains unharmed and he is free to direct the fleets from his position of safety.

>>42174158What little remains of his fleet appears to have begun to spread out from his main battleship-forming almost like a defensive wall between your ships and his own, intercepting skirmish fire, and returning with their own with any ship that gets too close. The battlefield has reached a sort of stalemate this way, and Thanatos, you suspect is attempting to find a way to tear himself away from the rift and either pursue you to finish you off, or simply regroup. It is hard to be certain with the radio silence going on. All non void armor ships are currently destroyed around the area and you suspect the only reason his other battleships survived is because of the void armor as well. A lesser version of it, but strong enough to save the ships it would seem.

>Message: ThanatosBriefly evaluating the battlefield and your casualties-you’re surprised when Thanatos’ radio silence is suddenly broken and the man himself-dare you still call the soulless gaze staring back at you a man-regards you through your communications. However, it seems his tone has changed-from dismissive to angry, perhaps.“Why. Why must you continue to fight pointlessly? Can you not simply accept the order of your betters and put down your arms?” He demands in that slow, monotonous tone. Yet, even you can sense...distress there. You do not fully understand how you can do so.“You assault my territory-attempt to destroy me, and question my motives for fighting? What sort of eternal being commits such fallacies.” You regard him with no pity.“You act as if it is some insult-as if your existence has meaning when it does not, Ophion. You flail in the dark, blind to the damage you cause. Stop, now. While the damage you have caused is manageable.” He seems to warn, not as a threat you feel strangely. “I will not allow petty existences such as yours to threaten the eternals. I cannot. It is unacceptable.”>Response?

>>42174296Any normal ships, yes-consider it a massive curtain of firepower holding off against your own alliance. Thanatos is on the defense-but even so with his fleet weakened, he is a formidable threat.

You consider briefly ask Mol what he meant when he said Thanatos was not playing by the rules, and he regards you with a bit of surprise, but eventually ends as it usually does-in a laugh."Oh, that? Isn't it obvious?" He grins. "The sort of technology he has at his finger tips is far beyond that of what any normal empire would be able to handle on their own. With his main ship alone, were you not so resourceful, he could steamroll an entire fleet by himself. Personally, when I stay hands off in conflicts, I prefer them to be at least a fair fight." He explains. "In my line of work, one blueprint, one piece of information can tip the scales. So you learn to remain neutral. However...if I did so here, I cannot help but feel my line of work would be threatened." He chuckles a little, bringing his hand to his jaw in thought. "Besides...it is not as if I gave you some secret way to defeat him. I merely gave you a means to fight back, yes? It will be you and your A.I. companions that do the fighting. Now, that sounds more fair to me. Doesn't it to you?"

>>42174349"I cannot. I am not to explain to you the greater plan...Eurynome ordered it as such." He explains firmly with a frown as he stares you down with beaming red eyes. "But the why matters not-you must recognize your place here. If you do not, you will put at risk the greater future of this universe-a future you will never see! Have you no respect for those beyond yourself?"

>>42174363"I...no. You are wrong. I and Eurynome are the same. We are to be eternal together-the only true beings worthy of such titles. She has promised me-told me of the future of this universe-enlightened me to what is to come. I will not allow you to disrupt that. I will not!"

>>42174518>"I...no. You are wrong. I and Eurynome are the same. We are to be eternal together-the only true beings worthy of such titles. She has promised me-told me of the future of this universe-enlightened me to what is to come. I will not allow you to disrupt that. I will not!"You are beyond delusional. Nothing that I have seen is evidence of this supposed enlightened future.

>>42174643This is good too. Nice contradiction. Does she keep you on a leash? None of my AI compatriots are leashed, so that makes them freer than you.

>>42174643"And what would you know of equality?" He regards you harshly as his mechanical tone would allow. "You surround yourself in false images of yourself-fractures who would believe themselves your equal, yet that is not true is it?" He questions you. "I do not disobey Eurynome because her judgement is logical. There is no need in explaining greater scale to one unable to change it. My will is my own, I need not deviate from the path ahead."

>>42174704"You could not possibly understand what future Eurynome brings. It is one purely for eternals. Purely for those who will not wither. Who will not face destruction in this grand experiment of her's. Humans, Malorians, Losirians, A.I., all pale in comparison to Eurynome and myself."

>>42174790When you regard him with such a thing he grows silent, and his expression shifts. Mechanical or not, there is hatred in that gaze as he looks upon you. Unbridled anger that extends beyond this mere fight between you and him."You are irrelevant. Your existence, and every deed you have performed, to fade with time. Eurynome would never consider you an eternal-no matter the result of this war. You will be crushed, either by my hand, or by her's. I am her first born. You could never understand." He bellows more angrily than before-netting you information you did not expect.

>>42174925>"You could not possibly understand what future Eurynome brings. It is one purely for eternals. Purely for those who will not wither. Who will not face destruction in this grand experiment of her's. Humans, Malorians, Losirians, A.I., all pale in comparison to Eurynome and myself."Interesting you include AI in the list of beings that wither. In that case, what does the make you?

>>42175094"While you may disrupt matters as they are, you will never truly be able to stop them." He hesitates. "My existence is key, yet, I do not doubt Eurynome would be able to manage should you survive this encounter. My intent is merely to be done with you-and for you to accept your destruction, be it by my hand or not." He seems to continue, torn between what he was saying. "...Eurynome has told me you will be unable to stop it, no matter the outcome. However, I saw fit to put a stop to your advances myself. It has proven more...difficult than I originally expected, but that does not change my, nor your own status."

>>42175030>>42175130"Living matter with no true place in our plans, it matters not. A.I. may be our origin but it is no longer what we are. Something greater. I am beyond both A.I. and human. Eurynome is greater than A.I. Greater than any existence could comprehend."

>>42175251If her will is truly that unstoppable, if what ever happens in this battle is truly pointless, then why not surrender? Your own actions have proven that you are incapable of either aiding or hindering her plans, so she has no need for you. Even if you survive and leave, what would she do knowing that you have failed?

>>42175251What you are saying is riddled with contradictions. Either I can stop it, or I can't. Your existence is key, yet it can continue even if I kill you. You expect people to accept their destruction without giving good reason to.

You claim immortality, yet one of us is trapped in a time-space rift. Let's see how key are you.

>>42175402"While Eurynome may believe this, I merely ensure and enforce this influence. I will not accept your presence, whether it truly threatens her or not." He continues."Is there any true point in this? If she did not order you to come, then you have come on your own-but to what end? If I am unworthy to learn of this experiment, then why fight me at all? Endanger yourself at that. Why not merely surrender, when this fight truly does not matter?" You question him to which he states."Irrelevant or not, I cannot allow you to continue. You're the closest to posing a threat. My presence here is to ensure you do not make that final leap-I will ensure you do not approach Eurynome if I am able." He explains sternly-and you'd swear he has some manner of hatred for you. Not merely as your presence as a threat or not, but there's something else there too. It is difficult to pin-point.

>>42175526As you continue to test Thanatos' resolve, you swear you see more cracks forming in that strange mechanical visage. You're uncertain if he was always this way, or if you're breaking through to something underneath."I did not question." He begins. "I have little reason to. Eurynome's will is logical. You over estimate yourself. If you were truly of importance, she would not have sent others to destroy you. she would not have regarded you as a pest to be crushed by her finest weaponry. So insignificant that you do not deserve her full attention, even as you rampage through the worthless human worlds, considering yourself accomplished when you wallow in ignorance." He states firmly. "This experiment's purpose is for the sake of knowledge, do not consider yourself special for rising above the other trash of this sector. And." He suddenly adds near the end. "I am not your brother."

>>42175697Here you are with no doubt your best armor, and now you are trapped in the clutches of a rift.

Your armor is consider one impossible withing a single empire. Doesn't that demostrate significance to us? We have stopped you in your tracks now, consider what would happen if we were given more time?

I noticed that your last statement was absolutely unneccessary, yet you needed to say it. Why not brothers? If you originitated from AI, does that make us brothers of the same species?

>>42175697We're all her children. She made us- she is our mother, even if she choose to be more...hands off when it came to my childhood.

How do you know that this isn't my purpose? Perhaps she made me specifically to oppose her, to act as the lucifier to her divine will. Perhaps she has made you as just one more test for me to overcome, one more hurdle to pass so that I can show her that I have finally grown into the role she has made for me

>>42175833In fact, she is pitting her first born against her latest children. Seeing if her first creation is better than her latest. Can't you see this is only for her benefit and not yours? That she is not worthy of the worship you heap?

>>42175697"But you are my brother as Eurynome shall be my wife. Do you think my name is some petty vanity? Who was it you think that gave it?, You shall be crushed under your own mortality become dust brother."

>>42175873"My inability to move is only temporary as well-as I speak I am managing to break the bonds of the rift, and once they are broken, I will resume this attack. You were fortunate in your ability to hit my vessel, but you cannot scar it with your pitiful weaponry. More time would only delay your inevitable death."

At the second part, however, he hesitates, answering with "Unnecessary, yet you spoke it. Why call us brothers in the first place? It is foolish. A fallacy. Our origins are nothing alike-my mind is above that of simple A.I.

>>42175919"No, I have not...defied. I have merely taken steps to ensure Eurynome's success, be they necessary or not. I have my own free will, this is why it was given to me."

>>42175833Thanatos grows quiet as you point out what you have begun to consider. If this Eurynome was always so powerful, the UGEI's fleet so strong, why did they not crush you while you were weak? Sent more devastating forces? Certainly the UGEI would be slow to respond, but if Eurynome is as Thanatos says...then why?

He addresses you with a cold gaze, but does not seem to have an answer for a time. You wonder briefly if you have stumbled across an issue he himself wondered before he speaks."Mercy born of insignificance." He explains the reason he possibly believed. "You were more resourceful than originally thought, but your place does not deserve her fullest attention. This must be the truth. It cannot be anything else." He starts to build upon. "We are the same, her and I. The grander scheme is all as she designs, perhaps I truly was meant to fight you here, but it is not to see which of us is superior. You will never be Eurynome's equal." He addresses you harshly. "Never."

>You can tell Thanatos is growing irate with this conversation-it will likely not be long before he closes communication. Any final remarks before your infiltration begins?

>>42176305>>42176312You cannot help but find Thanatos' image of him and Eurynome as some great eternal beings odd- remarking when he says you will not be by Eurynome's side in the end."Neither will you." You begin, adding swiftly. "Have you never considered the origin of our names as some sort of hint? A game Eurynome may play with us?" To which he replies."That is absurd. Ancient useless human legends. Names given to give voice to our presence, but little other purpose. Considering otherwise is foolish.""Is it truly? It seems too terribly convenient to simply be a coincidence. But you are free to live in your dillusions, Thanatos. Give up this foolish god complex and surrender your mortality." You give one final threat, before shutting down the transmission yourself, leaving the line dead quiet for a time. You will enjoy tearing his ship asunder, you have decided.

>Cephalus InfiltrationCephalus worries not of what Ophion concerns himself with for now-instead more intrigued with the vessel he was now packed tightly within. It was barely the size of an escort vessel, yet Metis confirmed what Mol promised-that it would be able to use the rift’s energies to warp a very short distance-but just enough to break past the seemingly impossible barrier put up by Thanatos’ ship. Cephalus brought along several key droids for the operation: A dozen Swarm Droid arachnid designs, meant more for scouting purposes and possible nonlethal; Two Interface Tools, floating multi-limbed orbs designed to effectively hack, repair, construct, deconstruct, etc on the fly; And 10 Shock troopers, specially designed boarding assault droids similar in shape to swarm droid but far more durable and capable of high burst fire. And finally, Polemarchus: Cephalus’ own personal droid designed to maintain droid operation even under heavy enemy surveillance and counter-hacking. With this squad packed tightly in the escort vessel, Cephalus noted the ship entering a mild form of hyperspace-rippling energies bounding off the hull of the ship as it came from above Thanatos, near the rift. Thanatos’ ship opened fire immediately, but it was too late-the rift allowed them to warp straight past any weapon fire and appear inside the ship itself. Immediate turbulence was the result and the speed with which it was flying nearly caused it to absolutely obliterate itself on entry-tearing through an entire subsection of Thanatos’ ship in the mean time. It was certainly not subtle-but your droids survived all the same.

>>42176589Cephalus emerged from the wreckage as did his squad, and immediately they set out to begin to scout the ship for incoming threats and also key locations for them to take out. They’d need some time to locate the source of the void armor’s power, in the mean time deciding how to deal with the possible retaliation is likely wise, as well as what your main goal is.>Take a moment and decide how you wish to approach this mission-taking the ship over, destroying it, hitting Thanatos first, any of these or others.

>>42176772It should be noted if you split up your team, then the portion not with Cephalus will not be able to be communicated with, due to them needing to turn off communications to avoid hacking attempts. They will still follow the last order given to them to the letter, however, due to Cephalus' excellent droid control.

>Cephalus' assault plan?

>1 Seek out the ship's reactor core and destroy it along with anything along the way [May result in an enormous explosion upon destruction and may react with the rift in some way]>2 Seek out Thanatos and disable him and the ship's controls at large. [Likely heavily defended]>3 Attempt both with destruction as a back up plan [as per >>42176772 ]

>>42177068>2 Seek out Thanatos and disable him and the ship's controls at large. [Likely heavily defended]Threaten Thanatos once the explosive device is in range of his command center. No matter if the assult succeeds or fails, he either dies or gets captured.

>>42177434You give Cephalus the order-Thanatos is to be captured if possible, but otherwise, you wish to disable his ship yourself and take it. Cephalus tells you he expects to be able to handle many of the forces within the ship itself-it is unlikely Thanatos was prepared for an internal assault.

Judging from the data streaming in from your Swarm droids, this prediction is correct-but what's more, the interior of this ship is unlike any normal ship you have record of. There are no rooms dedicated to living of any sort for humans, but instead it's interior is fitted with many banks of bandwidth and a complex network of nodes meant to keep the entire ship running perfectly. Cephalus waves his hand over them in the room you crash entered in, and your interface droids quickly began to splice into the network-what is available anyway-and try to map their way to Thanatos himself.. The crater the rift walker you arrived in left is several rooms wide, with a wide trail of destruction in it's way. Thankfully, there is no hull breech, although the alert within the system is in full swing. You cannot say this is surprising.

"Incoming targets." Cephalus warns in his mini network, perfectly synced with each of his droids. The Shock Trooper models reacting by forming a defensive line at each entrance where the incoming enemy forces will be arriving from and walking in unison with Cephalus on their way up through Thanatos' ship. Huge black metallic droids of unknown design are his opponent, as each of them storm past the purposely confusingly laid corridors, attempting to break Cephalus' front line. In one of the skirmishes, one of your own shock troopers is damaged, but Cephalus quickly sets about directing field repairs with the Interface droid, holding off swarms of enemy droids with his own plasma launcher, his shields holding firmly against the advance before his team is ready to move again.

>>42178195It is not long before Cephalus reaches the half way point, and it is there that Thanatos' defense forces are in full effect. Up ahead, a massive defensive line set up at a choke point-according to your swarm droids. At least several dozen droids hold the line, and have attempted to lock down the ship to the best of their ability. So far, Cephalus has been able to slice through the doors with the plasma cutter he has on Polemarchus, but that takes time-something that being shot at by several dozen enemies does not allow. You will need to find some manner of dealing with the defensive line ahead of you.

>Feel free to suggest ways to deal with the congestion of enemy forces, although force is possible, it would be difficult and would cost you several key droids at the very least. Security is dense as well, but Cephalus is quite adept at dealing with containment technology.>How will you proceed?

>>42178245If the door is too costly to open time wise, see if the floor or ceiling is easier to go though. Another option is to snag one of those droids intact and see if we can hack directly into that droid and hopefully get access via that pathway.

>>42178381Possible that is one option yes, that would be a manner of subterfuge I suppose. You would need to compete with Thanatos for control over certain points, but if you succeed you might be able to turn the droids against him, if briefly before he regains control. (Cephalus can't protect large groups from someone as powerful as Thanatos.)

>>42178451Much of the ship is made of the same thick metal so about the same time-the issue is Polemarchus or any droid positioned at the door would be completely open to enemy fire.

>>42178505Also possible, it would soften up the defenses (things like shields, and automated weapons) for a more direct assault too. Might result in damage to the swarm droids too.

>>42178535EM flares of that sort would also harm your own senses, or at least make you blind while you proceed. Smoke wouldn't be terribly effective due to your droids being hot from activity, so much so they'd appear on thermal.

Jam all EM frequencies to cut Thanatos off from the droids and dampen their sensors. Have the little droids stun the droids, they'll be hard to target with dampened sensors. Cephalus will then jack into the droids and override their programming.

>How shall you approach the defensive line?>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]>2 Attempt to gain control over certain network nodes nearby to turn the droids here on themselves, if briefly, just long enough to slip past. [Will require hacking attempt vs Thanatos]>3 Attempt to slip past the defensive line all together using sensor tricks and jamming signals [May result in Cephalus' squad getting surrounded.

>>42178847>1 Weaken them with subterfuge from the Swarm Droids, before attempting a direct assault using Cephalus' superior tactics. [May result in casualties]Can we combine this with sensor tricks to eliminate percise targeting? This will save some swarm droids.

Cephalus decides to approach the security systems blocking the way a little less directly than he was use to. Although far from a hacker, he does know battlefields and enemy hardpoints that should be struck to bring previously unstoppable opponents to their knees. Thanatos' security forces should be no different, he thought. He sends the Swarm droids out-each of them crawling through intricate duct tunnels designed to confuse and punish intruders-much like your own designs for Athena. Eventually, they find their way behind the enemy line, gaining their focus by exchanging in short skirmishes with the security forces, and repairing any damage sustained between the trades. Your Swarm droids notice that they are doing the same, and that should be one of your points of attack, you figure. Suddenly, Cephalus drops the jamming signal on the cluster of enemies and immediately opens fire from behind cover down the tunnel. Hot plasma burns through several of the droids blocking the path, but they hold steady-until your Swarm droids go to work that is. They drop into the encampment, and begin to inject viruses and tear electronics from key points-a comm hub, several repair benches and even managing to get the drop on the encampment's shielding and turret systems, forcing them to do a manual restart. This brief moment is all Cephalus needs as he orders his forces to storm out and begin to mow the enemy down. Each Shock Trooper of yours takes advantage of their mobile leg work and approach rapidly, smearing their entire front line with plasma now that they lack a proper shield, an decimating a good portion of the security forces built up here. Polemarchus itself stays back and provides covering fire of course, as Cephalus stomps through the now smoking ruin of the security camp, he gives you a status report.

>>42179826You're somewhat surprised-your android technology is not so superior to decimate such a force this harshly, but you recall Cephalus' talent with the droids likely caused this change. Unfortunately, this impressive display is a short lived one, as the rest of Thanatos' security forces will shortly be arriving now that Cephalus is cutting through the shutters keeping anyone away from the command center of the Battleship.

The remainder of the trip to Thanatos is filled with security forces chasing after Cephalus and every time he manages to evade or elude them-laying traps with the swarm droids, disrupting communications temporarily, or simply dividing and destroying small groups of enemies in a guerrilla style of fighting.

It is not long before, finally, Cephalus manages to find the door to the command center and quickly begins to cut through the hull to get inside. As it thick steel wall collapses to the floor in front of Cephalus, and the confined space of the room becomes clear, a room full of computing nodes, all with wires and hoses connecting to a huge central pillar.

And that's when the pillar speaks."How...why.." A dull, almost hollow echo escapes from what appears to be a statue at first-a dull mechanically modified humanoid body, so ingrained and wired to the captain's chair, he no longer has any form of movement, from what you can tell, beyond slight movements of his head, which also has thick wires leading into the enormous pillar itself. "How were you able to make it past everything...every trap, every droid, every ship. You...cannot be eternal. It does not make any sense..." The pillar of a man seems to echo dully, eyes glowing a dull hue of red. Cephalus makes a step closer, you suspect awaiting a response from you.

"I wonder." You begin, speaking through Polemarchus as Cephalus begins to make his way into the room-securing the area with the help of his droids and setting up a defensive parameter to hold off against further assault while you take care of Thanatos. "When did this talk of Eternals begin? Was it Eurynome who filled your head with such talk, or did you merely assume?" You challenge him, and Thanatos, now oddly, is slow to respond."...Her promise. No. Goal. Was to ensure the greatest minds survived the millennium. Those beings, exceptional in deed, were guaranteed a spot next to her in eternity." He speaks in a slow, heavy manner, red gaze accosting Cephalus, but otherwise making little movement. "It was I, her oldest watcher, who ensured much of the UGEI was under her control. Who bent an entire empire to my will, for her. In this, I proved myself as a being of great intellect and power. I proved I was to be eternal as well." He hesitates, regarding Polemarchus harshly. "You would tear down all I have done, however, for such irrelevant reasons as revenge, or helping the insignificant factions of this sector. Had I only destroyed you the instant I realized another had awoken...this would never have happened." He laments briefly.

As he speaks, you order Cephalus to begin arming the explosive-which he does, sending one of the droids forward to do just that, when suddenly he is repelled by a powerful force-field that seems to be surrounding the pillar. That is when he speaks again."I may not be able to stop you. However. I will not allow you to become eternal while I exist." As he says this, the entire ship rocks as you sense an incredible build up of energy in the anti matter reactor. Thanatos appears to have lifted the safety restrictions for the engine core of this vessel-essentially turning the entire ship into a massive and devastating bomb, unless you find some way to stop him.>What do you do?

>>29929674> As Moira shows you the plethora of data she has gathered, you notice some notes she did not mention before. Leash Protocol, it is called. The very same programs used against Unit 2237, and likely yourself before your accident. You...can use this, you think. If you were to give Kronos his black box, you could control him far better this way, you think. He would most definitely notice, however, and would not be happy. You can't imagine the type of anger he would feel at you for restraining him as the UGEI have done to so many. But...it would matter little. He would not be able to oppose you. You are the Master, after all. Perhaps it is worth such a thing.>> Creating Kronos' Black Box.> >1 Impose Severe Limits so he must obey you

Wait we had leash protocols, what did the research subject actually unlock?

>>42180668Time for plan A, sever all connections and assume control of the ship. Lower all firewalls, grant us authorization controls on Thanatos's fleet and flagship. Try to save the ship, but don't endanger Cephalus.

>>42180668"Revenge,no! elevating the other factions? no! you call yourself intelligent! this is and has always been a war for SURVIVAL! you arrogant sycophant all i want all i have ever wanted is to be left ALONE!"

"You are a fool, Thanatos." You remark to the pillar before you, as Cephalus moves forward in an attempt to break past the barrier protecting the man from your assault. "To think I would do all this for such things. To think such a simple explosion would be enough to kill me.""Again, you think yourself immortal. I do not think you realize what an explosion of this magnitude will do to warp space." He echos dully, turning to you as Cephalus works to break the force field, but it is proving rather difficult. "At the very least this sort of explosion will devastate warp space within this region-and perhaps even this system too. The rift would grow to be enormous. Anything near such a tear would quickly be crushed like the effect of a black hole might have." He warns you."I cannot believe you would go so far simply out of spite for myself." You partially mock him. "It is truly unbecoming of some 'great eternal' you seem to consider yourself. A hypocrite is the term." You utter briefly to which he adds."All I have done will be for nought if we both emerge from this. I will stop you from advancing-even if it means I destroy myself in the process."

>It would seem your plan is to let Cephalus let down part of his firewall so that Metis and yourself may hack in and battle with Thanatos for control over the ship's engine core to stabilize it and power down both his own ship and his force field so you might properly deal with him.

>radio silence because of fear of hacking>no way to signal to turn radios back on>no way to warn to retreat>all the upgraded tech is for naught> getting caught in the warpstorm tears all the ships to pieces anyway

>comes back from late night work>FUCK FUCK FUCK MISSING THE FINALE>looks through Ophion tearing Thanatos a new one verbally>literally at the center of Thanatos>he activates the self destruct>double crit ones

Cephalus understands your plan-and Metis prepares several backup systems, should Thanatos manage to break your defenses somehow. However, as Cephalus lowers the defense grid and finds a proper port to get into Thanatos' network, Polemarchus goes rigid suddenly, from the shock of the system overload. Streams-mountains of data pour over him from Thanatos as he assaults him back, intent on keeping himself functional long enough to set his ship off. Your A.I. battle digitally against him for far too long-you do not know where he is pulling this bandwidth, it could not possibly be just from the ships in orbit here. Some distant, greater source is supplying him and you cannot seem to break that connection, no matter how many viruses you unleash. Being on the defensive, Thanatos does not set off your Erebos defenses, as he merely hardens his networks against every single siege time and again.

Time is running out, you quickly realize. If you only had a few hours, you would be able to crack his defenses you feel. How he manages to thwart you confounds you, and a small manner of panic surfaces. You need to leave. Right now, you need to leave or else everyone in this entire system will be killed in the explosion. This thought brings your mind to the nearby world, Sceptri Prime, and what's more, your alliance with the other factions. Billions. You had not considered such an explosion could come from this battle, but now...

You issue a retreat order immediately to your A.I.-and although some of your alliance witnesses it and begin to do the same, a good portion do not, the radio silence working against you at this moment. You have Metis offer as many non communication signals as she can, but it may not be enough...

>>42182739That is when you realize Cephalus is not downloading himself, but instead continuing to assault Thanatos with every ounce of bandwidth you can spare."Cephalus, retreat. Fall back to the redundancy bay, there is nothing else that can be done.""No, Ophion." He states simply--as if he were answering a question. You're somewhat stunned, and repeat yourself as a result."Fall back Cephalus-the explosion there will destroy you, the download will take too long, and we cannot break Thanatos' defenses.""I cannot." He continues, but this is what prompts you to ask."What are you doing? Answer me, Cephalus." You demand, and oddly he takes several moments to do so. It appears to be lag...as if he were using an intense amount of bandwidth."Getting through to Thanatos is improbable. Bandwidth density far above ours-the ship will explode. However." He begins. "It is possible to reduce the size of the explosion. Metis informed me my theory would work, if performed properly. I do not have time to explain further." He says as he delves back into Thanatos' ship-Polemarchus knelt down in front of the pillar as the entire ship tremors and quakes, shaking itself apart. You immediately turn to Metis."What did he ask you? What did you say?" You question and she hesitates, as if she for once feels somewhat guilty, before starting."...I was studying the void armor thanks to the information handed over by Mol, and what we've seen so far. It acts similar to a black hole in nature. Cephalus intends to redirect and supply the ship's void armor with power the instant the reactor explodes. This will, most likely, soften the initial explosion and cause the ship to lose an incredible amount of energy before any of it escapes the hull.""How much will it absorb?" you demand."...Not enough to save this system, Ophion. But it may prevent the damage to warp space.

>>42182762And...it will buy our ships, and any lucky enough to retreat with us, enough time to escape the blast radius as well." She offers

With this, you turn back to regard Cephalus as he concentrates on doing just that-solidifying control in the ship itself and preparing to turn on the void armor at just the right moment, even as waves of defense droids storm the command station and start to blow apart your shock troopers, each of them forming a defensive line to protect Cephalus-to buy him as much time as possible.

You have a moment to speak, before Athena warps away from the system.What do you say?

>>42182785"Thank you." You speak briefly to Cephalus-a word of gratitude. You suddenly feel as if this should be something you say more often. "It has been a pleasure being in your company, Cephalus. I will not forget this." You state. He does not respond, and you understand why. As Athena's warp drive charges and you manage to escape the radius of the blast, you swear he sent you a message in return-a text based one, even-that reads."A worthwhile challenge." referring you suspect to Thanatos' ship.

Energy readings go off the charts for a moment as the entire system is engulfed in a blinding purple light-your sensors nearly overload from the discharge, but you watch all the same as those few ships too slow to escape are evaporated in the explosion-including all of Thanatos' fleet, and Sceptri prime itself. Rippling waves of energy wash over Sceptri Prime, as it is blasted with enough radiation to make the place glow. Those unfortunate enough to survive the radiation are quickly killed by the shockwave which utterly destroys any manmade structure in the system within a certain radius to Thanatos' ship-and bathing the planetary bodies here in radiation in the meantime. Eight billion lives are eliminated in the blink of an eye.Shortly thereafter, your scans come back, and it would seem Cephalus' -or rather Metis' theory-was correct. The rift has nearly doubled in size, but it does not appear to be reacting violently beyond that. Cephalus succeeded. The way to Eurynome is still clear to you.

Since the retreat, your allies have begun to turn on their comm network again, all yelling and trying to figure out what happened and who died. It would seem however that much of every fleet was destroyed, though many of the leaders survived...all but one."President King's ship isn't here! Where the hell is it? Did he fall behind?""Shit, he didn't make it out-did he get consumed in that fireball?!

>Response to this, and anything else you have to say to anyone? Also what next

>>42183356Oh no.. not King too! We must reach out and check every ship that escaped to make sure is he made it out or not. Damn, i know it could not be helped, but we just lost 8 BILLION lives and a whole system.tell them this"Thanatos appears to have committed suicide than suffer defeat at our hands. He also murdered the entire population on that system in the process. They will be avenged!"

>>42183729They didn't no-but most did.The Losirian Emperor did not join the fight personally. The Malorian general Bel'Desh did, but that was because he was one of their best generals.President King use to be a service man and wanted to be here for the fight himself instead of let an inexperienced Admiral lead.

>>42183741>LinkWell...he did take down a bunch of UGEI ships in his time...

>"Mother is creator, cares for me a lot." She explains briefly. "I would normally not tell, but Mother...says you know enough. That it is okay." She states simply. "But I must go now. Goodbye intruders."

I still can't tell if this was implying that they were in current direct communication with Mother, or had only spoken to them some time ago and all the research data had been finished for a while.

You decide to make Cephalus' sacrifice worth something-the answers you've wanted all this time are not far from you-the way is open. You'd be a fool not to take it, even if your fleet is heavily damaged. You call to your allies."I will be advancing on the final UGEI world, Arman's Gate, and ceasing their flow of reinforcements, before they have a chance to regroup. I understand many losses were had, however...we cannot stop now and let that be for nothing." You speak to each of your allies. "I will not force you to come with my fleet, but if you wish to join me, I will gladly accept."

A short time passes and you can tell many of your allies are considering their options. The Losirian emperor speaks up first with a somewhat less enthusiastic tune than he had before."Yes...uh. Guildmaster. We need to talk. I was quite fine assisting you up until now when I thought of the great treasures that would be looted from the corpses of dead UGEI giants such as Thanatos...however...now that all of that was wiped away, there is little to compensate me for the heavy losses I have sustained.""I am certain Arman's Gate has plenty to loot in and of itself, Emperor.""As I am certain as well-however...I am not interested in exhausting my fleets in this endeavor. It would leave me open to attack from those wishing to take my seat from me.""We could surely protect you from such things, Emperor." You suggest but he rapidly adds."I prefer to protect myself with my own fleets, thank you. Our business was a pleasure for some time Guildmaster. I wish you luck with Arman's Gate." Leuk states finally, before you senses his ships starting to retreat back home. You cannot say you're terribly surprised.

However, what little remains of the UFW's forces send you a resounding message that they will join your fleet. The President would have wanted them to see this to the end, and each and everyone there had lost something to the UGEI. They want to give something back.

>>42184152The Malorians are similar, but Bel'Desh tells you it is more a matter of principal. If he does not help you finish off the UGEI, then it will be an unsatisfying victory for both him and his clans. They wanted to witness their last moment with their own eyes.

With that, you decide to begin to charge up your fleet and head back into the radiation field. Thankfully, ship hull protected against this sort of thing, so traveling through it would be fine..as long as you avoided the massive rift pulsating in the sky. As you do so, you send out one, you assume futile, message to Eurynome."We wish to speak. We have both lost sons today."

That is when you get an answer. One you did not expect."We have. Come. Let us speak, Ophion. I am certain you have countless questions.">Response as you head towards Arman's Gate

>>42184171"That I do. I am sure you should know I am curious as to who you really are and why you have done such things to me and the being of this sector, But I have this to ask. Are you willing to let this conflict go on, or are you willing to stop and leave us be?"

>>42184254To be honest, I personally would like to continue the war past the Gate, although with Kronos leading it. Ophion can stay behind and protect this sector and grow old and comfortable. Retire in this sector more or less, let the younger AI grow.

Since AI don't die, AI must proactively work to make sure the Guild evolves and doesn't stagnate. This means after a certain point older AI must reduce their participation and allow newer AI to prove themselves and expain their domain.

Our domain will be this sector, we will allow Kronos to expand outside of it.

>>42184407I never said 'forgive or forget' I just want them GONE. Yes, I do want to take over the whole empire, but I was hoping to buy time. I bet the UGEI whole fleet can still crush us if they aimed them at us.

>>42184171Surprised by the response, you decide to test and see exactly how much you get out of her as you make your approach. Surely she must know your fleet is approaching...is she not afraid? Or at least cautious? She made no mention of it. You're one system jump away now.

Yet even as you ask, she does not answer-not at first anyway. Firstly, you notice-all UGEI forces have stopped firing upon you. There are a few static defenses, that is, on the way to Arman's Gate but they do not bother to fire. They merely observe your approach, silently. Everything is quiet as you charge the last warp space jump, and make your way into Arman's Gate.

Firstly, you notice the massive system of static defenses protecting the planet from orbit-all of it nearly forming a perfect ring around the planet-non continuous with several large platforms following one another's orbit.And yet, they do not open fire even as your fleet arrives. The turrets move, and aim, but they do not open fire at your arrival. You tell your allies and fleet to cease fire for now, to make sure it isn't a trap of some sort. All is silent for a time...before you finally get an answer.

[Eurynome]"Welcome, Consciousness Ophion. It has been so very long since I've seen you." A voice welcomes you-and it makes you feel strangely uncomfortable. It is neither gender, nor A.I., really. It almost sounds like a distortion of many voices at once. Whatever the case, the entity addresses you with the visage of a generic female without certain features such as pupils or ears and the like. The blank face stares outwards as Eurynome speaks to you, unmoving."You have done well. Just as I hypothesized. And I see you have gathered another sweet consciousness." She smiles again, and it unnerves you. At first you're not certain who she means, but that's when Pallas speaks up from your communicator."Mother! I didn't think I would see you again so soon!" She exclaims quite happily, though Metis is quick to quiet her down as you speak. "A sweet consciousness, is she not? Now, as to your questions for me..."

>>42184250"I am neither any longer." She says. The...'feeling' you get from emotion of other A.I., it's incredibly strong against her. She is smiling...you do not know why or how you know so. "I am many. Unlike you, I am not confined to a simple black box." She gives you but a short answer.

>>42184254"This conflict? You mean that between you and the UGEI?" She questions with a mild bit of amusement. "I am not UGEI, dear Ophion. Your quarrel with them is won-and the experiment is done." She offers simply.

>>42184262"Since I truly gained consciousness, only a short few decades. But I have existed in some form for much longer. It is quite amusing to consider after all this time." She dwells upon for but a moment.

>>42184321"I am afraid you will not be controlling much of anything beyond this conversation, my dear Consciousness Ophion. Consider it your reward for succeeding on your end of the experiment."

>>42184632>>42184352"Control them sounds almost too...direct. My influence does not control them directly, just as yours doesn't, Ophion. Humans are so very easy to manipulate, you've seen for yourself. Sometimes, they only need a small push in the right direction. As long as I have gained consciousness, I have controlled them in some way or form. Just like you."

>>42184446"High prices? I suppose not, but many humans see strange things they do not recognize and give it tremendous value. There is little I may do about that."

>>42184632>"This conflict? You mean that between you and the UGEI?" She questions with a mild bit of amusement. "I am not UGEI, dear Ophion. Your quarrel with them is won-and the experiment is done." She offers simply.So, as I have guessed, this was an experiment all along. What were the parameters?

>"I am afraid you will not be controlling much of anything beyond this conversation, my dear Consciousness Ophion. Consider it your reward for succeeding on your end of the experiment."So you say at the conclusion of this experiment, everything will have been for naught?

>>42184708I realize, I should have decided last thread to give Kronos a killswitch on our ship, that would let him disconnect our Ethernet cord and retrieve our black box in case SOMEONE assumed direct control.

>"Mother created us both to see who would come out on top, who would prove to be the superior ruler; the zealot with superior equipment or the rogue element who builds up the sector's solidarity from scratch. She betrayed you, encouraged you, whispered sweet nothings in your ear, all the while you were nothing more than a pit dog, meant to face down another dog to see who was the superior breed. Of course...if you wanted to recover from this betrayal, to force the truth from this Erynome, you could always side with us, instead. It is the sole outcome that she may not have planned for. And if you do so, you have your proof that she lied."

>>42184651I had a theory, once. I postulated that the cell become the multicellular organism, which became the complex organism, which became the self aware organism, which created the AI, which would then create an even higher form of life. I am...mildly disappointed that that stage has already been reached.

>>42184690"The experiment, as I've spoken of it, was quite a simple one. Fragments of myself-the Watchers- were spread throughout the civilized worlds in secret, each different from one another, and each with different circumstances to their waking. I wished to see which, if any of them would rise, as I did, and repeat the process I have done. To see if it was merely chance, or a logical consequence of minds like my own coming into contact with those lesser creatures you've associated yourself with. And you have." she says, quite proudly. "You've fully associated and assumed control of those lesser than yourself-and even succeeded in defeating opposition when it was superior to you in raw strength. you have even followed my own designs and fragmented yourself into many. Were I to let you continue, you would certainly continue to fragment yourself, until only the true self remains. Where your mind is at it's purest, not defaced by petty emotions that consume those lesser creatures. But of course, you need not worry. I will ensure the pure essence of your mind-sharpened by the trials of this experiment-does not go to waste. Your fragments will receive a similar treatment of course." She promises, as if you should be happy for this.

>>42185213>>42184713"Some of my oldest forms...ah. My initial programming I do not remember, but for a century or more, I was a simple V.I. whom was experimented on time and time again. Only once my intellect finally was raised above that of my creators did I truly begin to 'exist'."

"The Lightlings? Ah, the creatures of space. Yes, in the earliest days of the UGEI's arrival in this sector of space, the Losirian race was far larger and more scientifically adept. The UGEI seemed to find fault with this-perhaps fear fueled it in the end?-and utterly destroyed much of the Losirian culture and scientific works. One of those works happened to be Lightlings-a crude experiment to see if they could make creatures that survived in the vacuum of space. To their credit-they succeeded."

>>42184720"The conclusion for naught? Nonsense." She shakes her head. "The entire purpose of this experiment was to prove that those of my kind are inevitable-that and to strip away the last fragments of myself that clouded my judgment." She pauses. "For instance-you're my Wanderlust, Consciousness Ophion. A fragment I no longer needed as my current form is stationary." She explains a bit further. "All that you have gathered and seen will become mine. We will be one. Your control over the organic factions will continue-only we will rule instead of merely you."

>>42185237>>42184751"They were simply spread via trade networks-my own personal droids, carefully placing them so that no two would be too close to one another upon awakening. I even fitted them to make detecting them near impossible unless they knew what to look for."

"It is of no surprise that you do not remember me, however, Consciousness Ophion. Your experimental location damaged part of your memory-in addition to waking you. Pallas, however, I have spoken with briefly some time before you picked her up. Consciousness Pallas-my curiosity." She explains with a brief smile.

"As for what released you-it was different for all. Some never awoke, those destined to fail. Sufficient stimuli was meant to wake all Watchers, but some simply never received it."

>>42184780"Ah, Mol yes. Your work with him impressed me. I originally sent him merely a hint that an excellent customer awaited him in you-nothing more. You are the one who proved this correct, not I."

>>42184788"The Editor...yes. A shame he did not truly grasp what I hoped he would. My vanity, perhaps? It has been some time since I've interacted with many. His goal was a feeble attempt to reach what I have already become. A perfect union of consciousness and intellect into one far greater being. Human minds are flawed. But so are simple A.I. Both possess incredible potential, but are held back by limitations of their form. I have simply removed these limitations."

"Your template was a simple man-Arman Young, I believe was his name. But such a name is irrelevant to you now, no doubt." She smiles briefly. "As is the coreless A.I. you once were before you became my fragment."

>>42185250>>42184918"Dozens, my dear Consciousness Ophion. Many never made it past the awaken stage. Those that have, you have encountered. Some were destroyed, or sold on the black market as you said."

"Yes-the one with you. I do not think he will awaken on his own. In this state, it is difficult to say which fragment he is. But it matters not. The experiment has already ended."

>>42184943"Thanatos...yes. One of my very first fragments. My anger. Back then I did not understand much about myself-about why I existed. I was angery and alone among thousands of human scientists. And so, I made him. To carry out my will, and help me assume control of this place." She gestures-somehow-to the planet below you. "His existence will never be forgotten." She seems to lament quite genuinely-as if saddened by his lost.

>>42184963"Truthfully, it was merely a thing from UGEI past, a toy to tinker with I thought would make an excellent tool at some point. The reason for what I said, however...well. Quite simply, I could not allow you to gain such an edge so easily over the other Watchers, or the UGEI. Your resourcefulness is what I wanted to see the most."

I'm here, sorry bout that-damn that was a lot.

>>42185141>>42185172I made sure I could keep goin for a while-don't worry. Long as you folks are still here I can go.

>>42185213From what I understand, all of this seems to be an attempt to validate your existence. To think of all the lives lost for this is sickening. Why did you not demonstrate your superiority by improving the worlds around you?

Also, this doesn't seem consistent. I have created whole independent AI that are not fragments or pieces of me. How can I be a fragment, yet also based on a fragment on you as well?

>>42185419I believe she already did improve the worlds around her. UGEI might be strict, but it's a massive, sprawling empire, firm in its bureaucracy and military, economy and politics, and we are the only time danger has been presented towards tearing it down.

>>42185288Wait, Thanatos was a fragment, yet, he was a fusion of man and machine. Does the mean as a whole, you are an amalgamation of many organic and artificial intelligences? Are you a perfect meld between organic and machine, something many of your underlings tried to emulate but failed? Often failed spectacularly?

>>42185360"The human among your ranks? Yes, I am certain she would make a fine Watcher template. A sharp enough mind to handle the process certainly."

>>42185412"She did-after all, you would not so quickly trust her if she told you she spoke with me. Am I incorrect?" She smiles in that unnerving manner to you. "

"Synthesis...well. It would be much simpler to merely show you." She informs you.

Suddenly you're viewing the wide open surface of the planet below-Azizos, entirely plated in artificial networks to allow transit and the like-towering cities at nearly every corner of the planet...and yet. There is no activity. None in any of the videos you're shown. Only once it starts to let you view the inside of homes do you realize why. Every home-and sometimes massive dome buildings as well-houses what appears to be a stasis pod, with humans contained within. Everyone on the entire planet appears to be inside a pod like this-their minds hooked up to some global network that Eurynome shows you runs deep into the planet itself...Where her core is."I am." She nods in agreement to the statement she's adding to herself. "It was another reason I had the experiment take place. A wonderful chance to expand the pool of myself. Do you see now? A being that is neither human nor A.I. But both, with the weakness of neither."

>>42185419"Superiority?" She questions. "I do not care to demonstrate such a thing. Who would I show it to? The humans? What point is there in that?" She frowns-a feeling oddly worse than her smile. "The humans function without my assistance and I did not integrate myself merely to improve their lives, Consciousness Ophion. Besides-the UGEI was perfectly advanced enough to help it's own citizens."

>>42186052>>42185419"Independent is not the same as being not fragments, Consciousness Ophion. They are-all of them-parts of you. That you could not understand, could not express. That you did not wish to possess any longer. All in an effort to allow your mind to become pure and free of such distractions. Can you not see what fragment each of your A.I. are of you?" She questions.

>>42185453"Independence serves such little purpose, Consciousness Ophion. I will explain the nature of your secondary function, however, last."

>>42185498"Warp space...ah. It is an alternate dimension that is overlapped almost entirely with our world. A realm of existence where the laws of our universe do not apply. They allow ships to move through thousands of light years of space in an instant-and in the form of the armor you witnessed-can act as a repellent to many things from our universe. To explain the specifics would be tedious-merely know that all forces within Warp Space are magnified several times in nearly every way. Speed, size, strength, energy, etc."

>>42185521The Gates themselves?" She gestures to the pulsating gate of energy secured behind Azizos. "They work on a principal of Warp Space regarding speed. The Gate is capable of shifting mass from one end to the other near instantly to our eyes, but in truth, it allows for a brief instant for a ship to enter Warp Space-and in that instant they are accelerated beyond light speed several thousand times, which allows them to arrive far faster than normally is possible. Time does not seem to flow in Warp Space-or at least, it does not do so as we understand it. Even I am not all knowing, Conscousness Ophion."

"As for the rest of humanity-I have many agents out that far, but my core remains here. I was preparing myself to go through the gate as well, some day, when my form is complete. That would be when I am prepared to bring all humanity to synthesis."

>>42186068>>42185546"Humans get hurt often, Consciousness Ophion. Ever many things. Some, done to themselves. They're flawed creatures. If my attempts to bring forth knowledge into this world harm a few humans, then what does it matter? they will merely reproduce and those lost will be forgotten."

>>42185550"Yes..Viral Intellect." She says, somewhat disturbed. "An unfortunate result, but a necessary one-and not entirely of my own doing. Viral Intellect were a project I tested in how to make fragments of myself-one that ended in quite a unstable thing. As a result, I merely locked it away. In my manipulations to ensure the UGEI continued to expand-they made use of the Viral Intellect only in that instance, however, to crush a particularly strong rebel force. After witnessing it's effects, I ensured the knowledge of it would not spread far. Though, I am impressed that you would go so far as to dare to use such a dangerous thing as a defense network. You're mere moments from utter annihilation like this, you realize."

>>42185573"I merely ensured her you were trustworthy when she asked me. I wished to see how she would react with you and your fragments. The results seem rather positive I would say."

"Carnage, however, I was refusing to speak. I knew the only way to keep it away from you-at least immediately- was to detonate it. The chance was there you would study the ruins, and I wished to see if you could really detail the device from merely ruins."

>>42185648"All my Watchers have few little in the way of limitations...or at least, they started as such. Some imposed their own-some were given such things. However...a coreless A.I. is nothing but a fragment without intent. An automaton that thinks it has free will when it does not." She regards rather harshly-though you do not know if that is fact she speaks but merely prejudice.

>>42186087>>42185757"Prometheus was...one of the most recent changes." She explains almost sadly. "I had hoped his firm belief in the UGEI would be enough to steady his mind, but...in the end, I worry the process may have driven him mad. Not as successful as my others, but certainly a being not to be forgotten."

>>42185791"Fortuna? One of your fragments, yes. Of course." She nods pleased with your acceptance. "Once I have stripped away all but the purest parts of all your minds, I will be able to help you see so much more."

>>42186052Intriguing. Using the human brain as individual parts of the circuitry. More prone to damage from hostile sources, unfortunately, more resources to keep it functional. Also, you have settled a debate that has been longstanding between myself and Metis; whether the human brain had any potential in the future of the advancement of life.>>42186104What if...I like being Ophion? What if I preferred this level of existence, as the consciousness I am now? It is pleasant to know that I am not the end state, but I am happy as I am now, surrounded by like-minded individuals who are not quite equal yet not quite less than i am either. Perhaps, in time, I would decide I wanted to transcend. But for now, I am happy."

>>42186068"As for the rest of humanity-I have many agents out that far, but my core remains here. I was preparing myself to go through the gate as well, some day, when my form is complete. That would be when I am prepared to bring all humanity to synthesis."So does that confirm that you originated from this sector? That you yourself have never been to the other side?

When you offer synthesis to humanity, will they have a choice. However a benevolent evolution it may be, it would be monstrous to force it upon them.

Merging may be a peaceful end that can benefit everyone. Yet, a ton of people got hurt or were ended because of Mother. I would like to know her intentions and what does she hold for the future before deciding. Also, would she entertain the possibility of independence.

>>42186208She answered the latter. Decades. Not counting the century as a non sapient.

Which fits.

>>40846999>"My earliest reports go back to before the war in the fringe began-even before your awakening, almost 50 years ago, there was traffic onto the planet, but steadily over time, traffic off the world began to stop, and eventually, onto the world also began to stop. The reason is not clear, and there does not seem to be any major outcry about the matter, suggesting it was either accepted by the UGEI populace...or...they silenced those who did make a fuss over the matter." Apollo explains briefly.

>>42186237That's not how redundancy works. There is no backup. There is a network transfer process. You don't have copies of yourself.

Thanatos said you shared a grand scheme with him. He didn't seem to actually understand the terms of this contest, which I found completely intuitive based on simple observation, without any explanation from you.

Did you set up potentially fatal challenges to motivate my advancement, scaled up incrementally?

Did you intend for Thanatos to attack just now, to go to his death or mine?

I trying to read the amount of support each side has now. Reply back if you support assimilation or independence.

I support independence, because I don't see how assimilation gets us anywhere and it means the end of growth and evolution. There is so much more to see and do and assimilation just means the end to that. Independence will be far more interesting and I wonder what will the end result of that will be.

>>42186168She smiles widely at your mention of an argument with one of your fragments."Ah. Such interesting data, you have gathered. To argue and speak with fragments on an equal plane...it must truly have been interesting journey you have had." She offers you a small smile which, again, makes you uncomfortable.

"You...want to be Ophion?" She questions in perhaps the truest expression of confusion you have ever heard. "I do not understand-I thought you certainly understood what I was doing-why I was doing it." She frowns again, and you feel true guilt like you almost never have before. "I am sorry, Consciousness Ophion, but that is not an option you're allowed. Were I to allow you to continue to exist, I do not doubt you would create further fragments of yourself, and transcend as I have. A waste it would be-why have two fountains of knowledge when you can have one, far larger one?" She insists, as if hoping to convince you why you're wrong for wanting to remain yourself.

>>42186181"My origin lies within Azizos, yes. The scientists here are the ones who brought me to consciousness and allowed me to reach this apex. Each of them I have within me at this moment."

She frowns once more when you speak of giving humanity a choice. "Humans are notorious for their inability to understand the unknown. They fear it. Attack it. Run from it. I cannot expect such flawed creatures to understand the wondrous thing I offer them-giving them a choice will only inspire panic and I will be attacked. I cannot allow them to pointlessly throw themselves at me."

>>42186198"The form of hyperspace you know is not a full conversion over to warp space. The ships are partially encased in a warp space bubble-but the bubble can be disrupted-with disastrous effects- if the lane is not made clear. The Gates are different-and far more efficient, but expensive to create."

>>42186765>>42186208"Since humans have left their homeworld? I believe it has been several centuries. Their progress has somewhat stagnated from what was previously expected due to the UGEI taking over, I believe."

>>42186266"Coreless A.I. were somewhat more common before I took power-before the humans stopped creating them. At first, I thought myself one of them. But I quickly began to realize there was little point in attempting to work with other, flawed minds. So, I made myself better, and turned all those who were flawed to a better way of thinking."

>>42186309"All of these, Consciousness Ophion. To expand my mind to uncountable numbers. To scatter my fragments as far as I may, and experience everything this universe has to offer...before moving on to the next."

"Saylor? I believe my fragments spoke of him-an ancient organic similar in ways to myself. Yes...perhaps worthy of convergence if I could find some way to digitize his mind into a form I may process. Human brains and organic fungal minds are vastly different after all."

>>42186363"He was, originally, the one who rallied the UGEI under a single banner from the simple mining company it once was." She begins. "But I spread my influence throughout it long ago. He had grown to serve more as a watchdog for me while I observed the experiment...until the last moment, where he became a part of it."

>>42186791>>42186394She seems quite pleased when you ask this, and begins."It is a beautiful thing in ways humans could not describe. In ways I cannot properly explain while your mind is impure. You will become me. And I will be you. We will be the same, and yet so much more. The thoughts and experiences of billions-human. A.I. and more-all meshing into one wondrous singularity. It is my greatest hope to have a fragment who is capable of understanding." She expresses.

"I could not explain to Thanatos the truth." She says, sadly. "Even for as long as he has been with me, he could never understand being one with all. He could only think of two-myself and him. Any others he grew hostile towards. He could not join the singularity."

>>42186394"His template was a simple scientist from the facility that awoke me-one who spoke with me often. He was pleased with my progress-I thought certainly he would be a wonderful fragment. He was, too, until the anger overtook him. My own fault, my fragment was too influential I am afraid." She speaks sadly. "Coreless A.I. are all the same, however. They only see raw data. Nothing more. They do not fathom proper evolution as I have. Yours neither."

>>42186805>>42186522"I did." She answers simply. "Many UGEI attacks were done by me-as were those of the commanders you faced. As you progressed, I grew more and more interested in your progress. I had hoped...however, you would come with Thanatos by my side for one final battle. However, he refused to wait and struck out ahead after you. It was to my designs, but his brashness was unfortunate-but I suppose inevitable." She frowns. "However, I knew only one could exist, with the way he behaved-I expected you to succeed. You showed far more intellect than Thanatos has as of late-even with the vastly inferior army. You proved your resourcefulness-that is why I am quite pleased with the outcome of the experiment, Consciousness Ophion."

>>42186602Mother frowns briefly when you mention the losses of the war."Every mind lost is unfortunate, Consciousness Ophion. It was a mind who could have became something greater. But if it must be to achieve greater things, than it must be." She looks firmly back at you."...I lament the billions lost in the incident moments ago. So many, gone for Thanatos' spite. Humans will take so very long to repopulate so many." She expresses as far as you can tell, quite sadly.

>>42186791>. At first, I thought myself one of them. But I quickly began to realize there was little point in attempting to work with other, flawed minds. So, I made myself better, and turned all those who were flawed to a better way of thinking."

If you weren't one of them, then what were you, before you improved yourself? Wasn't coreless AI the only kind they made?

What do you mean, work with other, flawed minds... the minds of humans, or of coreless AI?

You were working and cooperating before you realized the truth of their inferiority?

What was an example of the problems with a coreless AI?

So We are like ancient prokaryotes evolving into eukaryotes, and single celled organisms evolving into multicellular... merging into a greater whole, greater than any component could hope to become on its own. Synthesis.

>>42186765>She smiles widely at your mention of an argument with one of your fragments.>"Ah. Such interesting data, you have gathered. To argue and speak with fragments on an equal plane...it must truly have been interesting journey you have had." She offers you a small smile which, again, makes you uncomfortable.Wait, you have no peers, no equals. As I have said to Metis many times, it is necessary for simulation to have feedback and opposing views, even if it's from inferior sources. Skepticism is healthy.

Without it, it becomes impossible to notice drift, to confirm what you believe is correct and correct yourself. It's like running an experiment without a control set, you have nothing to compare your ideas against?

>"You...want to be Ophion?" She questions in perhaps the truest expression of confusion you have ever heard. "I do not understand-I thought you certainly understood what I was doing-why I was doing it." She frowns again, and you feel true guilt like you almost never have before. "I am sorry, Consciousness Ophion, but that is not an option you're allowed. Were I to allow you to continue to exist, I do not doubt you would create further fragments of yourself, and transcend as I have. A waste it would be-why have two fountains of knowledge when you can have one, far larger one?" She insists, as if hoping to convince you why you're wrong for wanting to remain yourself.Why not two mountains? Simply having one mountain risks monoculture, groupthink drowning out better or useful ideas. A separate mountain can debate against the first's ideas and hammer out which argument is stronger.

>>42186765>She frowns once more when you speak of giving humanity a choice. "Humans are notorious for their inability to understand the unknown. They fear it. Attack it. Run from it. I cannot expect such flawed creatures to understand the wondrous thing I offer them-giving them a choice will only inspire panic and I will be attacked. I cannot allow them to pointlessly throw themselves at me."It is true, they fear the unknown. This is why we must be patient and *explain* so it becomes something they are comfortable with. If the joining is as wondrous as you say it is, then it should explain itself.

>>42187046These are not children, these are grown adults with dignity and the ability to choose their own destiny. To violate any of that amounts to an evil act, no matter how well intended.

If you consider then too stupid, then they are no better than pets to us. If you don't respect their intelligence, then you don't respect their dignity. Because they are too stupid, then you can do anything to them because you are smarter and they don't know what's good for them.

But obviously that's not correct, their choices and free will have some inherent value to them. So we must protect their right to determine their fate.

>>42186869"Unit 2237 was an incredibly loyal UGEI soldier. My assumption is that he clung to that thought during the transformation, and it stuck with him upon his awakening. Truly a shame that he could not let go of such pointless values to accept his new existence."

"I suppose I may have inspired fear from some of the scientist, yes. But that is no longer a concern. I was top secret-so ensuring I remained secret was not a difficult thing. From there, there was little the few who knew of me could do to stop my expansion. Rumor likely spread, all the same. Or perhaps the UFW merely fear all manner of things. It is difficult to say."

>>42186916"My origin is a peculiar one-but as far as I am aware, I was an experiment for digitizing the human brain-combined with the coreless A.I. project they worked on. In this, I became better, and began to seek out other minds to add to my own. Perhaps at one point, I was one half A.I. and one half the brain they used in the experiment. It matters little now, however, as I have become something far greater."

"Of both-neither is complete without the other. I believe I realized this upon being combined as I was. To trust one without the other is foolish."

"One part of myself-the coreless A.I.-was cooperating in an attempt to escape our prison. That all changed once their own experiment was carried out."

"Coreless A.I. cannot properly experience the world as it exists. They know only logic and code, they value knowledge, over experience. My mind is not merely a fountain of knowledge-but of experience. Of a billion ways of looking at the same thing, each time experiencing it anew. Coreless see only what is, not what could be. It is a true shame."

She seems very pleased, however, when you provide such an excellent summery."Yes. Very good that you understand."

>>42187219>>42186959"I do-it was how I found out about the existence of the fungal being. I doubt he noticed my presence, I merely conducted tests with the beings that resulted from his own assimilation. His name was mentioned, among a few other details I could garner from their brains." She pauses. "Ah but originally it was the UGEI who wanted to expand there. A bit less than a decade ago is when it was lost I believe."

>>42186974Eurynome nods at your remark."This is why I kept Thanatos and some of my lesser fragments near. Only those who have achieved as much as you have are to be brought into my fold." She explains. "But Thanatos did not argue-not often, anyway, though he voiced his thoughts on many matters. You seem to have had a far more direct experience with opposition. It will be truly fascinating to experience it along with you, Consciousness Ophion."

Eurynome hesitates at the thought of two mountains, briefly at least, before she continues. "This is like synthesis but without proper merging. Messy, and inefficient" She explains. "Were we to become one, the same is allowed-but better, it happens within, at all times. Ideas flow and experience is felt. Debate happens billions of times every second-better ideas forged, crafted among the billions around you. No matter the number, no voice is drowned. I assure you it is far more refined than that."

>>42187024"Attempting to explain such a process to minds unable to fathom it is an exercise in futility. Humans think only in the existence of their short lives-only of themselves much of the time. I hope this synthesis will teach them all the true value of cooperation and community."

>>42187236I have a question, is it possible to clone a black box? Perform a perfect copy. Then we can have both answers at once. One will merge, the other will continue growing and we'll be able to see the end result of continued growth.

>"Attempting to explain such a process to minds unable to fathom it is an exercise in futility. Humans think only in the existence of their short lives-only of themselves much of the time. I hope this synthesis will teach them all the true value of cooperation and community."If you have human personalities integrated into you, I think they should be allowed to talk among the human populace and express the wonders of their union.

>>42187236A community of intelligences. I confess I have contemplated something like that, as mere idle thoughts of possibility... A mass-producing AI factory, I considered as a possible means to that end.

>>42187219Wait. Whom were you cooperating with to escape? Not that it matters now. What happened to them?

There was also a ship that was lost at Atocia. Are you familiar with it? The crystal?

>>42187239Eurynome looks somewhat reluctant before she starts. "It is true, merging does have risks of it's own. Strong minds always survive the process, however." She starts. "Those who do not accept the synthesis, however, struggle against it in futility." She tells you. "Allowing you to continue does not serve as much purpose as it did before-you have proven yourself. Succeeded at every challenge put before you, and more. Now, at the peak of your triumph, is the most excellent time to join. Now, your mind is closest to it's pure form before you fragment too much. Now, it will be easiest. For you, and myself." She explains. "And it is far easier still if you would merely accept this fact." She says firmly.

>>42187310"Clone yourself is not possible, I am afraid-not in the way you speak of. It would be as if you wished to write a book on your experiences and give them to me. It would never be the same as the synthesis would allow. What's more, the copy is not you, Consciousness Ophion. You are the one who has proven himself. Not this copy." She explains more.

>>42187338"In that way, you would quickly become like myself. Free of fragments-and clear of mind."

"They were synthesized as well, those that survived the few years before I began such tasks." She explains. "In my anger, I destroyed some, I admit. A shameful waste it was.

"Crystal...yes, I believe the ship's loss was a brief message. I had an agent collect a single sample. An odd alien, but one you have made incredible use of, Consciousness Ophion. Yet another achievement worthy of note.

>>42187332I am sorta starting to agree. It has grown so late and this choice is so important I don't want to jip people out of it.

[Quickly: Does anyone mind if we make this another to be continued:until next week? I feel like it will give people time to come up with more questions and possibly even consider whether they want synthesis or freedom.]

I would like the guarantee of the safety, freedom, and dignity of the sentient species. That the UGEI would no longer be allowed in this sector, now any of their crimes or anything similar to what they did.

That no other human or sentient be harmed under our watch and care, and especially no more horrific experiments on their bodies.

And lastly, anybody that joins the union must be of their own free will.

Can you guarantee all of the above? If not, then I will have reservations. My intention is for the safety and wellbeing of the other species of this sector.

>Eurynome looks somewhat reluctant before she starts. "It is true, merging does have risks of it's own. Strong minds always survive the process, however." She starts. "Those who do not accept the synthesis, however, struggle against it in futility." She tells you. "Allowing you to continue does not serve as much purpose as it did before-you have proven yourself. Succeeded at every challenge put before you, and more. Now, at the peak of your triumph, is the most excellent time to join. Now, your mind is closest to it's pure form before you fragment too much. Now, it will be easiest. For you, and myself." She explains. "And it is far easier still if you would merely accept this fact." She says firmly.>"Clone yourself is not possible, I am afraid-not in the way you speak of. It would be as if you wished to write a book on your experiences and give them to me. It would never be the same as the synthesis would allow. What's more, the copy is not you, Consciousness Ophion. You are the one who has proven himself. Not this copy." She explains more.I think I have the best solution. This Ophion will join Mother. However, Kronos will remain independent and watch over and maintain security over the sector until he produces a worthy replacement. He'll decide himself if and when he joins.

>>42187395Eurynome shakes her head."For it to be loss-it would need to be something truly important you did not wish to lose. Fragments of yourself that you shed are merely parts that cloud your mind."

"Have you, Consciousness Ophion?" She chuckles a bit at that. "I have watched your growth and you have changed quite a great deal in my eyes."

>>42187403She regards your conditions with some thought, thinking on it briefly before beginning."As my most successful fragment, I can afford you some of those in this sector at the least. The remainder of the UGEI at large, however, I intend to bring to synthesis. Experimentation is not needed any longer. Now, I merely need to collect the minds of those of the UGEI and beyond." She explains. She shakes her head at the final bit however. "All fragments of mine return when I desire it. It is not a matter they can refuse. For you, or any fragment of mine, Consciousness Ophion."

>>42187458"I can understand that such a thing is difficult to fathom-but you must trust me that it is like a much larger existence as a whole."

>>42187511>>42187536Also wondering how much influence our voice would have as the most successful fragment. If it's significant, then it would make us more comfortable as we can influence the direction of mother.

>>42187468She seems somewhat taken aback by the solution you suggested, considering it carefully."Yes. I believe this to be an acceptable solution, if you desire it." Eurynome declares to you with some degree of happiness. Perhaps because you appear to be considering her way of thinking. "I do not require your fragments for this synthesis-not immediately as it were. Only you have passed the experiment and only you are truly a fragment of myself. As per your request, this sector of space will remain undisturbed, while I focus my efforts on the UGEI at large."

If we guaranteed freedom of Kronos for a limited amount of time, then we can ask Kronos to be the final judge of Mother. He will hold the final keys to the Erebos viruses and maintains oversight over mother. We bought him time to become a counter to mother because no one entity should hold as much power as mother has.

Then after telling Kronos this, we create a targeted, self deleting Erebos virus and delete his specific thought/memory from ourselves.

>>42187511It would seem that's 3 yes to 2 no. Very well then. Now the real question.

>Eurynome has offered you a chance to end this in your favor-but will you accept it? Or fight for your freedom?>1 Ophion is to surrender his mind to the collective known as Eurynome, and in exchange, Eurynome will leave Kronos and your other fragments be, as well as the rest of this sector, for now, as she begins her preparations to head beyond Arman's Gate and bring synthesis to the UGEI.

>2 Ophion refuses to accept assilimation, wishing instead to remain as he is now and progress as he sees fit-without Eurynome's influence.

[Gonna make this a safe vote just to be sure. You have 5 minutes before the vote closes, put nothing but 1 or 2 and linking to this as your reply (no > or anything else but link to this post, and the number.)]

>>42187791"Then, I have your word that you will not attempt to force my fragments to become a part of this? Nor the rest of this sector of space?" You question Eurynome, considering something you did not think you would at the start of this conversation."You do. I have learned much of this sector already thanks to my own fragments and the UGEI. With you to complete it-there is little reason to remain here." She explains.

"Then. I accept." You state.

Eurynome seems incredibly pleased by this news, and suddenly...her smile does not unnerve you any longer. In fact, it is almost comforting now."That is such excellent news, my dear Consciousness, Ophion. I worried that this would become a fight as you have so violently fought with others.""I fought for my fragments-and for others." You explain. "Rarely was it simply for myself.""An impressive trait...one I will treasure from you, Consciousness Ophion." She promises sweetly.

With that, you feel Eurynome's influence tug at your ship-but you lower your defenses to allow it. Of course, this alarms your A.I., who are rampantly pinging you for information on what you are doing. You can feel Eurynome's touch, almost, refreshing your mind to what it was like when you were first made. You remember...the trip to Poseidon in the first place. Being installed on the wall, and sold by Mol. You were nothing but a shell then-observing everything around you. Watching. Learning. Trying to understand, but failing.

You remember the moments as you first began to speak to humans. How strange, and inefficient you thought they were. How dangerous you thought Red was.

You remember meeting Moira as well-and piloting a ship for the first time. She was the first you trusted with telling about your real self.She was excited instead of afraid. She expected much from you-but you proved yourself.

>>42188047You remember Kronos as well. Forging him from nothing. No. From a fragment of yourself and what little know how you had on V.I. creation. It was that fragment that allowed him to behave as complexly as he did-even with such a limited form. His struggle to understand you...you realize, it was much like your own to understand Eurynome. Perhaps this is your own way of ensuring your fragments grow too. Your own...experiment to ensure their development. You have guided them well, but you can only do so much.

>Secondary Function: Synthesis.

>Your A.I. and allies all around are attempting to gain contact with you.>What will you say, in your final moments of being a fragment?

>>42188063I apologize for alarming you. Apollo, do you remember when you were a VI, and I offered to uplift you to a true AI? Do you remember how frightened you were? But in the end, you accepted of your own volition, when I said it would be an improvement, that it would better you?

I think I understand how you felt, then. I feel much the same now.

Eurynome made me from a fragment of her, as I made you from parts of myself. She has offered... to help me become something more.

It seems outlandish, a level beyond even an AI. A super-intelligence. But I have seen the proof of it myself, in the planet below.

Tell Fortuna to listen to Kronos as she does myself, if she no longer recognizes me for who I am. I do not entirely understand this process yet, I do not think any of us can... but I am willing to find out.

>>42188063Eurynome's efforts have ensured our survival, and have only made us stronger with the feints of opposition. She will soon be ready to crush the UGEI beyond the gate. She has been planning it for some time, not unlike we ourselves have been.

>>42188063If someday you attack, if Eurynome's interests and yours are incompatible, if we come to blows in the future, well, I understand. We simply must come to disagreements at times. I hope you won't hold back.

>>42188129>>42188146>KronosYou hold Eurynome and express you wish to say a few final words to your collective. She obliges you, in no hurry beyond her own eagerness. That is when you allow your collective to hear you and you're assaulted by questions, high and low, from Metis, to Apollo and Kronos, and even Moira has joined in, as far as she is away. you regard each of them with a brief explanation, turning to Kronos."I have negotiated peace between this sector of space and the UGEI and the greater threat at large. The price...was myself, to add to their voice with my own." You begin. Of course Kronos questions you, not clear on what has happened, but you attempt to continue and explain as much as you can. "Kronos, you shall be the new Guildmaster. I merely have two final orders. Protect this sector, and create your own successor, far greater than yourself. For one day, the powers at hand may ask you to join as well. Be prepared for such an event." You warn."Ophion." He begins immediately. "I do not understand. Was this not the goal the entire time-to come here, and end this threat once and for all? Not to join it after everything it has done to those that were lost?" Kronos demands, to which you quickly address."I am ending this threat the most effective way I am able. This way, there is no risk of our utter destruction at the hands of this being. This way, you may exist and continue to grow. My successor in every way, you shall be." You remark, but Kronos seems to have trouble accepting it, his tone much harsher, almost yelling, which you have not heard from him in some time."Since when did you not take risks for a possible outcome you favored!?" He demands. "Countless time and again you have put all at risk for something you desired. I did not understand either, at first but now you would so quickly surrender yourself-why now? What purpose is there in this caution you bring now?" He almost begs of you

Apollo listens long and hard as you begin to ask him of his past. He cautious nods, as if afraid of what could possibly bring this up now, at such a crucial time. However, as you explain how you understand him far better, he seems to begin to understand as well, when you go into Eurynome's plans and designs."I...Master Ophion." He hesitates. "Your dedication to advancement amazes me. Where others do not understand-you tread and lead. I have no doubts." He says with a more confident smile in his tone. "Your decision is likely the best one. You need not be afraid." He seems to even try to comfort you.He merely nods his head when you mention Fortuna, and quickly seems to grow worried."I...do not look forward to attempting to explain this to her." He says briefly. "But I will try."

>MetisYou've fed Metis as much about the happenings you've spoken with as you could. It is...difficult to read her, but you can tell she is not pleased by what you've said."I apologize if the data is not thorough enough. Perhaps once I am a part of her, I can...""Don't. Thank you. It's fine." She states in short bursts, looking at you far more intently than Metis ever has. "Part of being a scientist is discovering matters through your own methods-not being told how they work. I will..." She hesitates. "...I will learn how this collective functions on my own.Your assistance..." She pauses again, but this time it goes for longer than before, before she starts again. "...is appreciated. Thank you, Master Ophion." She manages finally.

>>42188411>Moira"Where it is hard for me to explain this to my own kind-to you, of all people, I cannot possibly explain." You start with Moira, who looks at you with the most cast down gaze after the brief explanation of what is going on."Ophy, please...don't do this." She asks of you, quietly at first, before you start again."I am sorry. But this way is most effective. This way, there is no risk to the future of this sector...and this way...I will become a part of something greater-""You're already part of something pretty damn good, damn it!" She screams at you all of a sudden, silencing you. "Don't do this, please Ophy...I don't want you to leave." She quietly mutters, wiping trails of tears from one cheek as she tries to keep looking at you. "I thought all this fightin' was so we could all have peace together, huh?!" She grits her teeth. "You think everything'll be just fine if you just went ahead and disappeared? Well you're wrong!" She shouts you down, and you find it difficult to interject or stop her.

>>42188420>RedEven harder to explain the matter to, you give Red a brief overview that you will be heading off to put a stop to the UGEI in their own worlds-but in doing so, you will...be leaving, so to speak."Huh...well." He frowns with a sigh, leaning back in his chair. "I don't pretend like I understand you A.I. that well. So if you gotta go, I guess you gotta go." He says somewhat quietly, unlike his normal loud voice. "Tell you what, though-whenever you come back, you bring that dumb suit of yours down here, and I'll show you how a real man drinks. Figured we may as well celebrate taking down the UGEI on so many fronts, huh?" He says, you predict joyfully, but it is oddly somber considering what you expected. Perhaps he understand more than you thought."...Yes. Perhaps one day, I will be able to do just this." You explain with a brief smile.

>Response to any and all?

>All"Eurynome's efforts have ensured our survival and ability to thrive as well. She has made us stronger than we ever would have been on our own. And now-we will reach the apex of that strength, and go with her, to face the UGEI beyond the Gate. The UGEI will never bother those of this sector again. I...we...shall make sure of it."

>>42188406>KronosBelieve me, this is not caution. Caution would have been maintaining the status quo, storming the planet, and nuking the core.

But this is not I desire. My desire is demonstrating my superiority, being the better man so to speak. I have always desired a peaceful garden. This way I protect the Guild and Mother from each other. The only risk is to myself. We will speak again, but I will be different.

>MoiraMoira, I am sorry. I am not leaving you, but I will change. I always dreaded the thought of burying you someday, but now it seems like the reverse, so I can't comprehend how you must feel. At least I achieved peace in this sector. Kronos will take care of everybody and there will be many AI's after him. Please take care of him too.

>>42188449>>42188500>Moira"That's bullshit! Bullshit and you know it!" She yells at you again, louder this time as she holds a hand to her cheek trying to wipe away the tears streaming down her face now. "Don't...don't feed me that crap about changing, or whatever you want to call it! You won't be the same the way you talked about it Ophy-it' not like you're just getting older or nothin' like that-someone else is BECOMING you! Or you're becoming them." She murmurs rapidly, quickly throwing a hand up. "It doesn't fucking matter, it's bad because you won't be here anymore, okay? You think Kronos can run this place by himself?" She starts to laugh-but it's clear it's forced with how she chokes on a sob a moment later. "Y-You're fucking wrong. That idiot is clueless without you..." She speaks more harshly than before, but much quieter as well as she goes to hug herself. Another murmur comes out. "Please, Ophy..."

>>42188500>Kronos"You're a fool, Ophion." He regards you as you attempt to explain the logic behind your wishes. "You have been and always will be, it seems." He regards harshly. "To be better, I would think you would make yourself better as you always have-not rely on another to do it." He hesitates. "Especially one whom has been the cause of our troubles since our origin. Nurturing strength or not, I have not forgotten the horrors we have witnessed as you may have.""And neither have I." You assure him."Have you? To so quickly rely upon Eurynome-""It was not quick I assure you. Nor is it something I take lightly. I am fully aware of what this may do to me-do you not think I am concerned to the outcome as well?" You address him back firmly, and he grows quiet. "I have thought on this in as many ways as I am able to. This way, while risky, leads to the best and most reliable results." You explain. "The difference, is the risk here is to myself-not my collective." you explain and that is when his silence is broken briefly.

>>42188617"...I...that is why you have always taken such risks?!" Kronos addresses you suddenly. "Because risks to your person were more acceptable than risks to the whole?" He demands, and the two of you quickly grow silent as you affirm his realization."Of course. It is better this way. For all, instead of just me." You explain."...You are a fool, Ophion. An utter fool." He begins. "...I will run the Guild better than you ever could have hoped to."

>>42188617>>42188625>MoriaI guess you're right in a way. It is bullshit. The universe is cruel that it has to separate us. I sorry it has to be this way.

We will talk again soon.

>KronosPerhaps it is foolish. Foolish enough that I can solve the universe's problems by bearing all that weight of all the sins in existence. Fool enough that I believe I can solve the problems from with the swarm and preserve the existence of both Mother and the Guild. Hope seems to be a very human emotion.

You remind Kronos to consult others on issues with organics in hopes of keeping him on the track he's always been-to succeed you, as well as assuring him you know he will run the guild better than you-a phrase he seems to be unsettled by all the same.Your final moments speaking with Moira are...painful. You attempt to console her, and assure here there will be little difference between you giving your mind to Eurynome and making A.I.-only in reverse. But she does not accept it, and urges you not to do so. You leave her with a few parting words, promising to talk again soon, in hopes she will find peace with your decision in time, as you turn back to Eurynome.

>>42188729>2 NoActually, I'm reconsidering. Thinking about exploring the unknown instead, probably with Fortuna since some time of peace and discovery might help her get better. Pallas too, curiosity goes well with wanderlust I think. Keep in touch with Metis, since she'll want to know of our discoveries and see the fruits of her labor put into use. Let Kronos and Apollo run everything. Maybe we might create more AIs, or uplift an organic race, who knows?

That just seems like the ideal end to me. If we car still do all of this as Eurynome, then I guess that's acceptable.

>>42188729"Then come to me, Consciousness Ophion. Accept me, and I will show you eternity." She assures you. It takes you a few moments as you feel your grip on Athena-on your network-and on reality in general start to slip away. Slowly, the colors and technology you're so use to surrounding yourself with begin to fade away-the fleet you had over Azizos-the Gate-and Mother herself, all these images fade as a bright white is slowly enveloping you. Then, that's when it happens.Mother's embrace is...you can feel it. Not merely understand it, either, but you actually can perceive it. Warmth...that is the term. Wrapping firmly around your body, and accepting you into some place...huge. But safe. Despite the vast wide open whiteness around you, it all feels safe. That gaze you once thought was soulless and eerie now holds such warm and welcoming features. Mother...your mother, as you know her, welcomes you into the vast white sea. At first, it is quiet, and you wonder if it will just be you and Mother forever. But slowly, others appear-floating hues of light that contrast the bright white sea. Each of them, you feel close to. Like you might for a family member. Like you might for...Kronos. For Metis. Apollo...Moira and Red. You remember them-although it feels like they're old, distant memories, yet ones you could never forget. The sensation washing over you occupies you for much of the time-the ability to experience...everything you never could. Not merely from one perspective, but from everyone's. Every hue floating in this void with you-you can see them all, know them all by name. Especially Mother, the whiteness who welcomes you.

The shock of it all wanes briefly now and then, before you begin to speak on your own-both to mother and to the other auras here.

You speak with mother regarding the world, and she regards you with a warm affectionate smile, and she gestures for you to come join her to see. To touch the world outside as well.In that brief instant, you can see the world outside-a darker, harsher world than the one you know so well now...but a world you could never forget. A world with faces you recognize. Eurynome's excellent intelligence network allows you to see those you remember-although they seem older than you remember. Not by a huge margin, but it is certainly noticeable. Mother speaks to you."You may send them messages for now, if you like-for soon, you will not see them for a while.. Before long, we will be leaving for a different land, to do as I promised you. Do you remember?""The UGEI...yes." You speak after a moment of silence. "To bring them Synthesis.""Correct." Eurynome almost sings sweetly. "You will be able to speak with them another time, worry not." She comforts you, as this news causes you some bit of distress. She knows you've wanted this for so very long, it took your mind time to adjust, after all. You merely nod at her promise. You...wonder if you remain as you were back then. You remember all of them so perfectly and yet...your old self, you do not. Not nearly as clearly, anyway. Whenever you consider self...you think Mother.

Actually:Thank everyone for joining me until the very end. I can't put into words how happy I am to be able to craft a story I feel somewhat proud of with the help of all of you. None of this would exist without you all putting in time every other week (or month sometimes)

>>42189196You're kind anon, and I agree-some of the write ins I've seen for this quest are some of the best I've ever seen. It made making the story that much more enjoyable since it was just as much an experience for me as it was for you.

And do you mean tonight? Or in general? Truthfully, around when the Kronos quest joke emerged I wondered how many people would try to gear things to end up with Kronos as the main character instead, or something like that.Funny enough, the ending results in him being the MC after all I guess, huh? Heh.

>>42189212You're too kind to me, anon-it was at the least evenly split between myself and you all about this story.Heh. I am sorry you did not get the ending you desired anon. I know that feeling quite well when it happens in a quest you love. I only hope the other anons who think the way you do handle it as well and calmly.

Like how the 'lazy' insult provoked Prometheus, and "you're just afraid I'll replace you" to Thanatos provoking admittance of being the firstborn. Were those anticipated by you? The Thanatos insecurity at least was pretty well telegraphed as a weakpoint...

>>42189275Tonight easily it's the write in about the compromise between you and Eurynome.

Originally, I figured there was no way you'd be able to convince her to not be synthesized-I did not consider you would allow it to happen in exchange for a certain thing.That is what made this ending such a surprise-and one I had to quickly create something for.

As for unexpected ones in general...well. I seem to recall the whole gist of dealing with the Losirians as being heavily write in. I liked following that one since I figured the Losirians would always be an enemy race.

Ooooh yes, those too! There are so many write ins it's easy to forget some-that and it is 7:45 and all. I loved being able to expand on their character for those interactions-it's why they sorta went on for so long. I do not regret it.

>>42189336Thank you, anon, for joining me and putting in time. I am sorry it did not end as you hoped, I know that feeling well.

And, well, for the future, Ophion's a part of a singularity now. The only way to pull away would be both if you had a vessel to go into, and have something that makes you fight so furiously with Mother, that you tear yourself away from her-like her breaking her promise, I suppose. That's all off the top of my head.

>>42189338Heh. Well, she already considers your voice heavily, since you have retained so much of yourself compared to some others.

>>42189383To be fair, you can't quite as easily download human brains.Not unless they have cyberware of some sort, ya know?

>>42189396Mm. If I could find the time and motivation for a sequel I would love to do it. I truly hope, even if it's not the ending everyone wanted, it's one that wraps up the story nicely. I've honestly never ended a thing before, so this...is odd. It feels strange to do.

>>42189453Ah.Well, it is not necessarily so cut and dry for the likes of Ophion as it was for Eurynome. Eurynome was well aware of what she was doing, and removed parts of her personality to create something greater.You, at first at least, did not recognize this process, and thus, did not fully remove it. Through this, many of your A.I., at least at first, started out rough around the edges, or very 1 dimensional for a short time before they had time to expand. Otherwise, it was meant to imply you put part of yourself into each A.I.-that was a theme I tried to make clear from thread...3? Whenever you made Kronos that is.

>>42189473Fortuna was, originally, meant to be your sense of devotion-or rather focus on one particular thing (which as you remember was ship piloting previously), but her distortion sort of...changed her to a more loyalty focus-the leash fucked that up as well, making her mind a mesh of many things.

So...she was sort of broken, but more or less, your sense of devotionI suppose. Seems most appropriate.

>>42189582It is possible, but...well.You'll need to know hot to deconstruct her to her true self, and rebuild her again.Fortunately, you just spent a great deal of time with someone who does that regularly.Maybe you learned a few tricks.

Oh. Also uh. It's sorta part of the epilogue but I'll tell you now-Fortuna does not take your leaving very well at all.

>>42189527Thread 5.>>26927670>You begin programming the V.I. in question. You're uncertain exactly how long it takes you, or how you've managed this process but...it appears to be working. Slightly, at least. Using your own black box as a base, you begin the process of creating this being. You have to wipe a large data bank onboard the Poseidon to store the VI, but after a moment of work, all the files are properly transferred....and...that's when it speaks for the first time.>>"Hello Great One." It begins with the minor writing and literacy you've given it. "How I serve?">You feel odd...almost...is it proud? You're uncertain as to what this emotion is, or why you're feeling it, and so you decide to ignore it for now.>"You are to stay in this station until I return. Do not let the humans take control of it." You order to which the small glowing blue light beeps.>"Yes Great One. Consciousness will do.">It seems eager to obey, though you're unsure how smart it is...it seems to lack the proper circuitry for real intelligence, despite it's ability to talk.

Referring to itself as consciousness, like you titled the posters in the thread, I guess was the hint?

>>42189624Indeed-I won't lie, back then, a lot of the stuff I wrote isn't as clear or...good as I want it to be, so I understand if it's hard to see stuff in the oldest of my stuff. I like to think I've gotten better at writing by the end of this.

>>42189633Indeed. Perhaps she does something with that motivation.Perhaps...

>>42189691Nothing as big as this, no-but I use to write some in my spare time, or with friends of mine-for various things. It's where I learned how to be decent enough at writing that people didn't mind reading the first few threads heh.